At 14-years-old, Beartooth’s Caleb Shomo started his career when he joined as the keyboard player to his friends’ “electronic, weird” band, but looking back at that time now, Shomo says he has grown into a completely different musician. He says he strives for honesty in his songs and rejects the idea of making music for the radio or singles designed to make money. CreativeLive sat down with Shomo to talk about his songwriting process and tips for aspiring writers.
“At first I didn’t really do much songwriting,” Shomo says. “I was 14, and some of my friends were like, ‘Hey want to play keyboard in a band?’” After leaving his childhood band, he started to work on his own music.
“I just wanted to do something complete opposite. I just wanted to make music that I knew was honest to me, that had no motivation other than writing good songs that I enjoyed,” he says.
Shomo often focuses on the build of a song, without lower points; there is nothing to build up tom, he says. “I want to have it build up to just the biggest chorus ever, or the nastiest riff ever.” But he says typically keeps a traditional pop-song formula. But if a song isn’t stuck in his head, or playing on repeat, it won’t make it on the album.
Watch Shomo’s interview to hear more about his musical upbringing, what he thinks makes a great song, and tips he has to start a song or get over writers block. —Jake Hanson
source
You need a haircut my guy
0:51 wait he was 14
I'm going to start listening to Beartooth again
0:47 this "electronic weird whatever" is Attack Attack. And the NET still holds some videos of Caleb's horrible vocals. He honestly sounded like TRASH, but now its something I can't not to add to my iTunes list))
There used to be a video on Youtube where Caleb gave a tour of his house that he records in but it was either taken down or I can't find it. Can someone help me out?
I wish I could meet you
DJ CLUB!!!
Beartooth is a great band! but Attack Attack, fucking sucks major fucking ass!!!! I hate that band.
This guy is genius!
Sheesh when I saw the thumbnail, I thought this was Toby Keith, especially with the trucker hat
Really like this guys attitude!!! He speaks the truth… His music Is fantastic as well
I saw Beartooth live at Carolina Rebellion and they were actually my favorite.
huge fan
what's the song in the background
is that Toby Keith
I kind of feel bad seeing him this overweight, he is awesome at what he does. Just want to see him take care of himself and keep his mojo
Can't believe this is the same guy from Attack! Attack!
you are my hero
Awesome
I love Caleb so much. He's so real and fucking talented.
The dirty nil hat?
I love the trucker look, love the music more
where is your neck
Sick EP will always be a gem. Well done Caleb.
Ffs caleb pls dont rock this "i fuck my sisters" look. Pls go back to the old one.
The reason I fell in love with Beartooth was because the songs feel so honest. Then I saw them at Warped, and it was like I could feel the emotion in the air. Music is so wonderful 🙂
that trucker look ?